I also liked Laura Derns performance as Hazels Mum and Willem Dafoes performance (always good) gives weight to the saying that you should never meet your heroes as it can be a disappointment.

The main reason for this is that I found Gus and Hazel believable and very likeable. The parents of the young people living with cancer react to the loss of their children in different ways. I'll admit to finding The Fault In Our Stars a bit too sickly sweet at times but when it scores, it scores very well. The Fault in Our Stars not only explores the ways in which cancer affects those who are diagnosed, but also shows the ways in which their families and friends react to their diagnoses. Hazel and Gus are heavily influenced by a book about a character who goes through the same experience as them except that the novel ends abruptly and this is a source of irritation for the both of them. Their parents try their best to be supportive whilst at the same time giving them space but they find this balance difficult at times.

Hazel is more insular and reserved and is probably caused by the isolation forced upon her by the ongoing treatment. Gus is full of himself but not in an arrogant way, I thought it more of an inner confidence. Others who think you are better off not knowing what you are missing might see it less positively.Ī story about 2 teens (Hazel and Gus) who meet at a cancer support group might not immediately seem like something you would want to watch but it is funny at times and very positive in the main. Those like me who think it's better to have the good for however long than none at all will see it one way. How you view this story might depend on your opinion on loss. Any film that can force me to shed a tear gets extra marks and The Fault In Our Stars qualifies in this regard.

Fault in the stars book